New Delhi: Nick Kyrgios fought back from a set down to defeat Mackenzie McDonald 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Miami Open. The Australian secured his first match victory since 2022 after enduring a challenging two-year period plagued by injuries. Earlier this month, he was forced to retire from his first-round match at Indian Wells due to a persistent right wrist injury, raising concerns about his ability to compete at the highest level.
The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up had also struggled with knee and foot injuries, which sidelined him for an extended period of 18 months before he finally returned to action for the 2025 season. Reflecting on his emotional comeback, Kyrgios expressed his relief and joy after the match, saying, “To come off and get a win and feel like I belong again was special.”
Kyrgios previously feared that he might never play professional tennis again. Speaking candidly after his hard-fought victory, which lasted one hour and 43 minutes, he admitted, “I never thought I would play tennis again, to be brutally honest with you. I was having conversations with my camp and my team, and I said, ‘I don’t know how long I can keep doing this for’.”
The Australian looked uncomfortable from the outset, struggling to find his rhythm and showing signs of frustration when he was broken in his opening service game. After losing the first set, many believed that his stay in Miami would be short-lived. However, Kyrgios gradually settled into the match, started hitting the ball cleanly, and turned the tide in his favour to win the next two sets.
How sweet it is 😜
The moment @NickKyrgios finished off Mackenzie McDonald for his first win since wrist surgery! #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/rcuMqwThxy
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 19, 2025
What next?
Kyrgios is set to face Russian Karen Khachanov in the second round at Miami Open. However, his progress in the tournament remains uncertain as his wrist issue could still hinder his ability to maintain his best form.
Nick Kyrgios staged a comeback to defeat Mackenzie McDonald at the Miami Open, securing his first win since 2022 after battling injuries. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
